Veterinary emergencies

In some cases a rabbit may need a CT scan. Here is sweet Pancake (sedated) getting his CT scan for his hydrocephalus and ear problems. Used with direct permission from Help Pancake the Bunny. Here are a few example partial seizure episodes that Pancake sometimes has on Medirabbit.

Because rabbits are prey animals, they work very hard to hide any signs of illness. As a result, owners often cannot tell when a rabbit is sick until severe symptoms have appeared. Daily interaction with your bunny will help you realize what is normal and irregular.

Rohnert Park Animal Services. (2021). Rabbit Health: When to Take Your Rabbit to the Vet - Anne Martin

Common symptoms

If your rabbit shows any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your rabbit-savvy veterinarian as soon as possible.^[1] Seemingly minor symptoms can escalate quickly and turn into major emergencies within 24 hours.

"Behaviour: When Your Rabbit is Unwell" info-gfx by Tamsin Stone of The Rabbit House.

Rabbit grimace scale by NC3RS

Some general signs of pain in rabbits.

GI symptoms

loss of appetite (anorexia) or changes in eating habits - A good way to test this is to offer an irresistible treat to your bunny such as fruit.
small to no poop or diarrhea
sitting in a hunched position or pressing stomach against the floor
loud GI sounds or complete silence in the stomach - You can use a stethoscope or listen with your ear pressed against the stomach.

These symptoms are suggestive of an onset of GI stasis, often a secondary symptom to other health issues.

Respiratory and ear symptoms

increased, shallow, and/or labored breathing (e.g. head tilting up to breathe through mouth)

Catnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital. (2015). Rabbit with increased respiratory distress

NHC Rabbit Rescue of Wilmington. (2020). Domino in respiratory distress

u/Ok_Remove9491. (2021). Rabbit in respiratory distress with heavy breathing and nose flaring

Rusty & Furriends: Vegas Dumpsite Bunnies. (2018). Rabbit gasping for air

chest congestion
sneezing, nasal discharge, or watery eyes; matted front paws from wiping nose
scratching or shaking ears

These symptoms are suggestive of E. cuniculi, head tilt, heat stroke, otitis, snuffles, dental issues, or thymoma.

Urinary tract symptoms

sudden loss of litter box habits
dribbling of urine (urinary incontinence)
straining to urinate; sitting in litter box for long periods of time
u/xenjaaaaa. (2019). Koda straining to urinate
urine which appears more white - suggests sludge buildup

These symptoms are suggestive of bladder sludge and stones, E. cuniculi, or urinary tract infection.

General symptoms

fever or hypothermia - normal rabbit temperatures are 101-103°F / 38-39.6°C
loud teeth grinding - a sign of pain, different than gentle tooth purring
irritability or unusual aggression
listlessness, lethargy, or lack of interest in surroundings

Extreme emergencies

If your rabbit shows any of the following symptoms, consider it an extreme emergency, and locate an emergency veterinarian immediately.^[1]

shallow breathing and/or weak heartbeat
complete immobility or unresponsiveness
severe diarrhea or mucous-covered stools
complete silence in stomach - this is a sign of full stasis
labored breathing (e.g. head tilted up to breathe through mouth) - See #Respiratory and ear symptoms in the section above for video examples.
convulsions or seizures
any injury resulting in open wounds or possible broken bones - this includes any sort of attack by another animal. If your rabbit is limping or dragging limbs, please immediately put your rabbit on cage rest to prevent further damage until they can be seen by a veterinarian.
any symptoms of shock - listlessness, limpness, or abnormal gum coloring (grayer or redder than normal).
temperatures lower than 100°F/37.7°C or higher than 104°F/40°C (hypothermia)
not eating for 24 hours, no poop in 24 hours, or increasingly smaller poop
dehydration - dry tacky mucous membranes and/or delayed skin elasticity
Elizabeth Vickridge. (2016). Home Care Series 2. Checking your rabbits hydration
gray or white mucous membrane color (e.g. gums)
loss of balance or head tilt
partial or total paralysis

How to prepare for a visit to an emergency center

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To assist the emergency veterinarian, it is helpful to know some things about the rabbit concerned. The following list is paraphrased from Rabbit Advocates and other sources:^[2]

A history of illness, including symptoms.
Treatments given and any reactions.
Baseline lab work (blood and urine) - obtainable from your regular veterinarian.
Current normal weight.
Complete diet including date of when new foods were started and any reactions.
Normal food and water consumption.
Normal urine and stool output.
Neutering status.
Vaccination status (if relevant).

Here are some more resources about preparing for an emergency visit.

Kathy Smith, Planning for Emergencies

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Smith, K. (2003). Rabbit Health in the 21st Century. (2nd ed.).
↑ Rabbit Advocates. (2000). Useful Tips for a Trip to the Emergency Center. Retrieved 07 Feb 2017 from http://rabbitadvocates.org/careinfo/packet/emer.html

[rh21-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Smith, K. (2003). Rabbit Health in the 21st Century. (2nd ed.).

[2] Rabbit Advocates. (2000). Useful Tips for a Trip to the Emergency Center. Retrieved 07 Feb 2017 from http://rabbitadvocates.org/careinfo/packet/emer.html

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Veterinary emergencies

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